| The history of Muscat de Frontignan, wine’s very first AOC zone, has been inextricably linked with the history of the town in a relationship that dates back to ancient times. Today, these twin strands share a single and common memory. Here, the economy, tourism, architecture, urban development, gastronomy and local heritage are all affected in one way or another by this union between a terroir and the group of men and women who live and work in it.
Starting in 1995, the Municipality of Frontignan la Peyrade and all of its partners have been strongly committed to enhancing the image of ‘their wine’. This policy is particularly evident in the notification of measures for the protection and enhancement of the vineyards in the POS (local authority zoning plan) and in a five-year plan of upgrading the vineyard access tracks. There are various exhibitions, which reveal the rich wine-growing history and heritage of this ‘City of Muscat’. In the year 2000, collaboration with the Hérault ODAC (Departmental office for cultural action) led to the publication of the first book on the history of Muscat de Frontignan – "Le Muscat de Frontignan: un vignoble entre tradition et modernité" (Muscat de Frontignan – a vineyard between tradition and modernity). In addition, several classes in local primary schools are carrying out educational projects with the Cave Coopérative in the context of an operation entitled "Grain de Raisin".
In 1999,the Municipality decided to restore the concepts of taste and flavour to the traditional Muscat Festival. Organised in partnership with the Syndicat du Cru du Muscat de Frontignan and all of the producers, this market has grown to become an important event. With tasting sessions, visits to cellars and wineries and meetings with wine-growers and craftsmen, the event enriches our common history.
In a history of constant development, Muscat de Frontignan owes its current know-how and consumer recognition to the tireless, hard work of generations of men and women – wine-growers, co-operative members, independent grape-growers, vineyard workers and cellar employees, traders, barrel-makers, elected officials, trade unionists? Today, as we enter the 3rd Millennium, the appellation is in a phase of renewal. This involves a new generation of players, often closely linked to previous generations and worthy heirs to six centuries of know-how, who supply high quality solutions in the new context concerning the economy, cultural heritage and landscape.
Tradition says that Muscat de Frontignan owes its early success to the fact that it could suffer harsh transport conditions without any change in flavour. And it is certainly true that this ‘Ambassador of charm’ knows how to yield treasures of imagination and well-being when welcoming prestigious guests. This First Muscats of the World event has already found its homeland in the terroir of Frontignan la Peyrade.
|
|
